Chapter 1 The story begins with two brothers, twelve-year-old Prosper and nine-year-old Bo, who are running away from their aunt and uncle’s house in Venice. After meeting an old man, they soon find themselves in a movie theater where they meet a mysterious young man called the Thief Lord. The boys follow him to an abandoned camp and meet a group of street children led by the Thief Lord. These street children are all orphans and outcasts who have banded together to survive on Venice’s streets.

Chapter 2 The group, led by the Thief Lord, is revealed to be a tight-knit family. He has taken them in, offering brotherhood and safety. The next day, the group travels to an old, abandoned amusement park and takes up residence. Bo and Prosper soon get to know the other kids in their new family, learning more about their history and the Thief Lord himself.

Chapter 3 The Thief Lord reveals his plan to the children: he will steal From the wealthy of Venice and redistribute their wealth. Little by little, they come up with an elaborate plan that will allow them to commit the perfect crime.

Chapter 4 The group travels to an old, crumbling palace to steal an antique, ornate mask. As the Thief Lord leads them up the stairs of the palace, the others try to distract the guard by playing a game of football. Once the mask has been stolen, the Thief Lord sneaks back down to the getaway boat, joining the others just in time.

Chapter 5 The group returns to their hideout, Victor’s Mansion, to cultivate the mask and sell it for a high price on the black market. With the money, the Thief Lord will be able to give the children a comfortable lifestyle. Meanwhile, the police close in on the group, and Bo and Prosper’s aunt and uncle–who had been chasing them all this time–arrive in Venice to take them back home.